The nearest airport to Araku Valley is the Visakhapatnam region’s main airport, IATA code VTZ. Since 17 August 2026, scheduled flights use the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, roughly 45 to 50 km from Visakhapatnam city, not the old Navy airfield. From the airport you continue by road or by the scenic Visakhapatnam to Araku train.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Araku Valley is a cool hill region in the Eastern Ghats, known for its coffee and nearby Borra Caves. Getting there has changed this year, because Visakhapatnam’s commercial airport has moved.
Which airport do I fly into for Araku Valley?
You fly into Visakhapatnam, using the IATA code VTZ. For years, the code VTZ belonged to the civil enclave at INS Dega, a Navy air station close to the city. That changed in 2026. The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, in Vizianagaram district, was inaugurated on 1 August 2026, and commercial flights moved there on 17 August 2026, along with the VTZ code. INS Dega no longer handles scheduled commercial flights.
This matters because older guides, maps and cab apps may still show the old airport. Check that your ticket says VTZ and the airport name on your booking, and plan your ground transport from Bhogapuram. Reports put it roughly 45 to 50 km from Visakhapatnam city, so check the road route on a map and allow more time to reach the city than you would have from the old airfield.
Which airlines fly to Visakhapatnam?
News reports say the airlines that served Visakhapatnam moved their flights to the new airport, with services to cities including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. The exact mix changes by season, so look at the live schedule for your dates.
- Check the airport name on your ticket, since flights have moved from the earlier INS Dega airfield.
- Look at both arrival time and onward travel, because the road journey to the hills adds to your day.
- If you land late, consider staying a night in Visakhapatnam and starting for Araku in the morning.
How far is Araku from the airport, and how do I get there?
Araku Valley is roughly 110 km from Visakhapatnam city by road, according to published figures, with the exact number depending on the route. From Bhogapuram airport the distance and the best route differ, so check the road distance on a map for your plan, and allow several hours in total for the airport to Araku journey.
You have three common ways to do it:
- Road: a hired car or taxi from the airport or the city is the most flexible option. You can stop at viewpoints on the way.
- Train from Visakhapatnam: the line from Visakhapatnam towards Kirandul runs through Araku. A glass-roofed Vistadome coach is attached on this route and is popular for the views. The journey takes several hours, so it suits travellers who enjoy the ride. Train timings and tickets are handled by Indian Railways, so check them there.
- Mixed: many visitors take the train one way and a car back, stopping at Borra Caves on the road.
A simple plan that works for many travellers is to fly into VTZ, rest a night in Visakhapatnam, then head up into the hills the next morning by train or car. This avoids rushing the long climb after a flight and lets you arrive in Araku with the whole day ahead of you.
Because the airport is now well outside the city, confirm your pickup in advance. Ask your hotel or taxi operator whether they are tracking the new airport location, and keep the pickup point and your flight number handy in case a driver goes to the wrong place. Allow a comfortable gap between landing and any onward train, since the road to the city takes time.
What is there to see in Araku Valley?
Araku is best known for its coffee. After independence, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department developed coffee plantations in the valley, and tribal farmers later received plantations of their own. Many visitors walk through plantations and taste the local coffee. The Borra Caves nearby are known for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the surrounding hills and waterfalls make for easy day trips.
Wear comfortable shoes, since the caves and viewpoints involve some walking. Carry water, and keep a light layer for cooler hills in winter.
When is the best time to visit?
Rainfall in the area is mostly from June to October. Many travellers prefer the months after the rains ease, in the cooler part of the year, when the hills are green and the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. Peak weekends and holidays are busier, so book your flight and stay early. If you go during the rains, expect wet roads and plan some flexibility.
Common Questions
What is the airport code for Visakhapatnam?
VTZ. The code now belongs to the new airport at Bhogapuram, which took over commercial flights on 17 August 2026.
Is there an airport in Araku Valley?
No. The nearest airport is the Visakhapatnam airport (VTZ), now at Bhogapuram.
Is the old Visakhapatnam airport still used for scheduled flights?
No. Scheduled commercial flights moved from INS Dega to Bhogapuram on 17 August 2026.
Can I take a train to Araku?
Yes. Trains run from Visakhapatnam towards Kirandul through Araku, including a scenic Vistadome coach. Check timings with Indian Railways.
Is a day trip from Visakhapatnam to Araku realistic?
It is possible, but the journey is long, so many travellers stay at least one night in the hills.
Do Indian airlines charge for check-in?
No. Web check-in and airport check-in are free on Indian airlines.
Planning a trip to the Eastern Ghats? Search flights to Visakhapatnam on HappyFares, set a price alert, and enjoy zero convenience fee on domestic bookings.
Airline routes, train services and fees change. Please verify current specifics with the airline, Indian Railways or the airport before you travel.
